PERSON: Mario H. Lopez

Hispanic Leadership Fund

President

Mario H. Lopez has spent a lifetime dedicated to spreading the message of liberty, opportunity, and promoting the benefits of public policy that are rooted in the core principles. As a professional, Lopez has garnered extensive experience in media and public relations, political campaigns, and the public policy process. He regularly is quoted in and appears on numerous English and Spanish language print, television, radio, and online outlets, and has contributed op-eds to dozens of print and online publications. Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah appointed Lopez to the U.S. Senate Republican Task Force of Hispanic Affairs.

Previously, Lopez was tapped to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as Executive Director of the Congressional Hispanic Conference—a caucus that promoted legislation and policy that sought to foster prosperity through free enterprise. He implemented communication and legislative strategies, focused heavily on coalition building, messaging, and issue management—including small business, health care, social security, tax reform, and education. He served as liaison to the White House, executive branch agencies, the private sector, and the public policy communities.

Lopez previously served on the Hispanic Advisory Board for the Republican National Committee, and was a presidential appointee for George W. Bush. In his first Capitol Hill post, Lopez served as Deputy Director of Coalitions and Outreach for House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts. He has been on campaigns in California and Virginia.

Born and raised in San Diego, Lopez earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from the University of San Diego. He is a graduate of The Fund for American Studies’ Institute on Political Journalism, and performed graduate work at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in both Political Science and the highly regarded Master of Professional Writing programs.

— hispanicleadershipfund.org